President's Corner

Every year my daughter and I plan a mom-daughter getaway that revolves around a run. This year we decided to participate in a 10K race in Michigan. We were both excited although neither of us realized, until the race began, that this was a trail run. This meant a VERY different from a race on a paved surface which I am used to. Surprise!

A trail run includes different types of running surfaces, sand, deep gradients, grass, gravel, etc. In other words, you never know what you’re going to get. Since I had never done a run like this before, (Note to self, read the fine print next time), mentally I wasn’t prepared. However, about 10 minutes into the run, I realized that this could be a rather exciting challenge. I switched my mindset, really focused on the surface and directed my mind and body to adapt. What other choice did I have?

After about five and half miles, the end was in sight or was it? This was a 10K run (6.2 miles) but at mile six we noticed the finish line was much further ahead than anticipated. The race ended up being a 7.1-mile run. I made it, my daughter made it and we survived! So, what does this have to do with business and adapting? Everything!

Adapt or Die. Business is all about being adaptable. Being ready and willing to adjust as needed. When I learned the run was a trail run, I could have said, “Forget it” and walked away. Instead I thought, “Let’s give it a go and see what’s ahead!” This attitude flows into my business mind whenever faced with a challenge. I believe that accepting a challenge and discovering what’s ahead is key to every win I’ve had in my professional life. If you’re unable to adapt, you’ll be left behind.

Don’t focus on the obstacles. If I would have been flipping out over the type of run that was ahead, I would have expended unnecessary energy negatively impacting my run. Instead, I focused on what my end goal was, which was to finish the race. I began to visualize an true obstacle course and how much fun they are! I transferred that sense of fun to my run. Business is hard, there will be obstacles. Shift your mindset and you open the door for opportunities.

A positive attitude goes far in any situation. Entering any situation with a negative attitude is a recipe for failure. I knew I likely wouldn’t win the race, but I knew I’d finish. Because of this experience, I was reminded that I can do anything I set my mind to! You will have setbacks in business, your attitude will make the difference in how you bounce back from those setbacks.

Tough but good. Business is tough, period. Despite the tough aspects of business, there are so many great things about business. Who I am today is a result of being an entrepreneur! I’m the one that’s taken the risks, I’ve believed in the impossible and I saw things through despite how difficult each situation was. No doubt this run was tough, but I was incredibly proud when I finished. Business is no different, it’s tough but the rewards far outweigh the challenges.